It's time to say goodbye to the beige kids’ menu

It's time to say goodbye to the beige kids’ menu

If you’ve ever been out for dinner and saw the the kids’ menu, chances are you were handed a list of the usual suspects: nuggets, chips, bolognaise, pizza and cheeseburger if you're lucky.

That’s the “kids menu.” Beige, bland, fried - and for some reason, considered completely normal. But the truth is, it’s not doing our kids any favours.

As parents, we’re constantly trying to do the right thing. But when you’re out at a restaurant, the $12.50 nuggets are guaranteed to be eaten, while the $45 grilled salmon might end up on the floor. We get it. But there’s growing evidence that what we feed our kids early - both at home and out, plays a role in everything from long-term health to gut diversity and even fussy eating habits.

The kids’ menu problem

Somehow along the way, we were sold the idea that kids won’t eat flavourful food. That they’re meant to live on nuggets, plain toast, and anything that can be dipped in tomato sauce. And so the food industry responded with a never-ending supply of “kid-friendly” options that are actually just heavily processed, stripped of nutrients, and completely lacking in variety.

We get it  as parents, we’re tired. Sometimes you just need to get through the day. But when “kids food” becomes a permanent menu, we’re missing a huge opportunity to shape healthy eaters for life.

Early Variety = Lifelong Benefits

Research has shown that babies and toddlers who are exposed to a variety of flavours and textures early are more likely to accept and enjoy a wider range of foods later in life. Delaying lumpy foods or sticking to just bland purées can increase the risk of fussy eating even at age 7 (Coulthard et al., 2009).

This is where we believe parents can be empowered. Feeding your baby before you go out, packing healthy snacks, or even sharing your meal can help avoid the processed temptation. Most kids don’t love dining out anyway - they’d rather be drawing, playing, or doing anything but sitting still.

It’s Not Just About Fussy Eating

Taste preferences aren’t just random, they’re built. From around 6 to 18 months, babies go through a critical window where their brains and bodies are wired to explore new flavours, textures, and colours. This is when we have the best chance to help them fall in love with real food. But if they only ever get beige and bland, that’s what they learn to prefer.

On top of that, early exposure to variety helps support the gut microbiome, reduces the risk of fussy eating, and sets the tone for a more balanced relationship with food later on

There’s also a bigger conversation happening about how ultra-processed foods (UPFs) - which dominate most kids' menus and snack aisles - may be impacting long-term health. A 2018 study found that a 10% increase in UPF consumption was associated with higher cancer risk (Fiolet et al., 2018, BMJ). Other studies have linked UPFs to inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and gut imbalance (Monteiro et al., 2019).

And gut health? It starts from birth. Diet is one of the biggest influences on a child’s microbiome, which plays a key role in immunity, digestion, mood regulation, and even chronic disease risk (Rodriguez et al., 2015).

The Real Cost of the Kids Menu

Let’s be honest most kids’ menus are cheaper, and when we’re already spending $40+ per adult meal, the $12 chicken tenders feel like a no-brainer. But the hidden cost is what our children aren’t getting: real flavour, nutrients, fibre, and diverse plant exposure.

And don’t get us started on play centres - no outside food, deep-fried snacks only. Sometimes the best thing you can do is feed your kids before you go, pack a healthy pouch or tub, and aim for “good enough.” Most centres won’t stop you from offering snacks to your toddler in a quiet corner, and some are slowly adding better options to the menu.

What Can We Do?

• Feed before you go: Give babies and toddlers a full, balanced meal at home and by the time you're out, some snacks or a bite of your meal will suffice.

• Let them share yours: Offer bites off your plate and add some extras like a side of vegetables, extra potatoes or protein. 

• Pack smarter: Bring easy-to-heat or cold-friendly options - even if it’s just some fruit, a tub of SARI, or veggie muffins.

• Entertain differently: Bring crayons, stickers, or small toys instead of relying on food for distraction.

And How SARI Baby Helps?

At SARI, we believe kids deserve better. That’s why we use over 50 different plant-based ingredients across our meals to expose little ones to the flavours, colours, and textures that shape their preferences from the very start.

We’re here for the everyday, for the dinners before dinner out, for the playdate snacks, and for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your baby is nourished, even when you’re running on empty.

Parenting is messy. Feeding them shouldn’t be.

All links in this post lead to published studies or official health sources we trust.